Save Article

Hussein's Lawyers
Aim to Focus Trial
On U.S. Occupation

Defense for an Ex-Dictator:
Compare 1982 Mass Killing
To Offensive in Fallujah

By

Farnaz Fassihi Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Updated Oct. 19, 2005 12:01 a.m. ET

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- When Saddam Hussein stands trial here today with his life on the line, his lawyers intend to pursue a bold strategy: shift the focus from Mr. Hussein to U.S. actions in Iraq.

His lawyers say their goal is to politicize the trial by turning attention from the killings Mr. Hussein stands accused of to the death and destruction wrought by American troops. They even intend to accuse the U.S., as onetime supporter of Iraq,...